Former Queensland Reds and Wallabies playmaker James O’Connor joins multiple All Blacks in the Crusaders’ side to take on the Blues.
The backline looks stacked with several Super Rugby players and All Blacks Sevens representation, but the microscope will be put on the tight forwards who were bullied at times by the Junior Wallabies.
The New Zealand Under 20 squad has been named ahead of the World Rugby U20 Championship later this month.
The Hurricanes have welcomed back legendary hooker Dane Coles for their highly anticipated blockbuster against the Crusaders on Saturday.
It doesn’t get much bigger than this for the Hurricanes. With the race for a spot in the top four set to come down to the wire, they simply need to win to beat the Blues in Auckland this weekend.
All Blacks Ardie Savea, Tyrel Lomax and Jordie Barrett are among the big-name players who will not feature for the Hurricanes this weekend when they take on the ladder-leading Chiefs in Hamilton.
The Blues have emerged victorious in the Bunnings Warehouse Super Rugby U20s Championship.